U.S. patent number 8,421,913 [Application Number 12/874,701] was granted by the patent office on 2013-04-16 for mobile terminal.
This patent grant is currently assigned to LG Electronics Inc.. The grantee listed for this patent is Tae Wha Choi, Chang Jae Kim, Kyoung Yong Kim, Seung Geun Lim. Invention is credited to Tae Wha Choi, Chang Jae Kim, Kyoung Yong Kim, Seung Geun Lim.
United States Patent |
8,421,913 |
Kim , et al. |
April 16, 2013 |
Mobile terminal
Abstract
A mobile terminal is disclosed, by which a user is facilitated
to carry and use a terminal in a simple and easy way. According to
the present invention, since a camera module is configured in a
manner that a protective cover is provided not to a case but to a
module body, it is advantageous in protecting a lens unit provided
to the module body before installing the camera module at the case.
While light passes through a protective cover, a protective cover
physically isolates an inside of a camera module from an outside to
prevent external particles from being introduced into the camera
module. Therefore, it is advantageous in enhancing durability of
the camera module. A loading portion is provided to a case to guide
an installation position of a camera module. A separate cover is
not added to the case. And, a protective cover of a camera module
is directly exposed to outside. Therefore, accumulation of
numerical value tolerance is barely generated and an assembly
process is simplified.
Inventors: |
Kim; Chang Jae (Seoul,
KR), Kim; Kyoung Yong (Seoul, KR), Choi;
Tae Wha (Gunpo-si, KR), Lim; Seung Geun (Seoul,
KR) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kim; Chang Jae
Kim; Kyoung Yong
Choi; Tae Wha
Lim; Seung Geun |
Seoul
Seoul
Gunpo-si
Seoul |
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A |
KR
KR
KR
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
LG Electronics Inc. (Seoul,
KR)
|
Family
ID: |
43624382 |
Appl.
No.: |
12/874,701 |
Filed: |
September 2, 2010 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20110050989 A1 |
Mar 3, 2011 |
|
Foreign Application Priority Data
|
|
|
|
|
Sep 2, 2009 [KR] |
|
|
10-2009-0082504 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
348/376;
348/373 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N
5/2257 (20130101); H04M 1/0264 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H04N
5/225 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;348/373-376 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Ho; Tuan
Assistant Examiner: Nazrul; Shahbaz
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Birch, Stewart, Kolasch &
Birch, LLP
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A mobile terminal comprising: a case having a penetrating hole;
a camera module located in the case, the camera module including:
an incident hole open towards the penetrating hole; at least one
lens facing the incident hole; and an image sensor configured to
form an optical image of a subject delivered via the incident hole
to convert the optical image to an electric signal; and a
protective cover attached to a surface of the camera module having
the incident hole, the protective cover being formed of a
transparent material through which light passes, and the protective
cover being exposed through the case via the penetrating hole of
the case, wherein the case includes a recessed loading portion
provided along an edge of the penetrating hole, and a portion of
said surface of the camera module contacts the loading portion, and
wherein an inner surface of the case at the penetrating hole
includes a guide portion inclined at an angle with respect to the
penetrating hole along an edge of the penetrating hole.
2. The mobile terminal of claim 1, further comprising an adhesive
between the protective cover and said surface of the camera
module.
3. The mobile terminal of claim 2, wherein said surface of the
camera module is supported by an inner surface of the case.
4. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein the penetrating hole is
configured to receive the protective cover and wherein an outer
surface of the protective cover and an outer surface of the case
are located in the same plane.
5. The mobile terminal of claim 4, wherein a height of the
protective cover projected from said surface of the camera module
is equal to a thickness of the case at the loading portion.
6. The mobile terminal of claim 3, wherein the penetrating hole is
sized to conform to an outer circumference of the protective
cover.
7. The mobile terminal of claim 6, wherein an outer diameter of the
protective cover is set greater than an inner diameter of the
penetrating hole and wherein the protective cover is forcibly
fitted into the penetrating hole by shrink-fitting.
8. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein a sealing member is
provided at an inner circumference of the penetrating hole to
enclose and support an outer circumference of the protective
cover.
9. The mobile terminal of claim 8, wherein the sealing member is
formed of a compressible material.
10. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein the guide portion is
arranged between the penetrating hole and the loading portion.
11. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein the protective cover is
formed of tempered glass.
12. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein the camera module
includes a module body, the incident hole is provided in one
surface of the module body, and the at least one lens and image
sensor are located in the module body.
13. A mobile terminal comprising: a case having a penetrating hole;
a camera module provided within the case, the camera module
comprising: at least one lens facing the penetrating hole; and an
image sensor configured to form an optical image of a subject
delivered via the at least one lens to convert the optical image to
an electric signal; and a protective cover inserted in the
penetrating hole to protect the at least one lens, wherein the case
includes a recessed loading portion provided along an edge of the
penetrating hole, and a portion of a surface of the camera module
facing the protective cover contacts the loading portion, and
wherein an inner surface of the case at the penetrating hole
includes a guide portion inclined at an angle with respect to the
penetrating hole along an edge of the penetrating hole.
14. The mobile terminal of claim 13, wherein the camera module
includes an incident hole provided at said surface of the camera
module and the protective cover is affixed to said surface of the
camera module.
15. The mobile terminal of claim 14, wherein said surface of the
camera module is supported by an inner surface of the case.
16. The mobile terminal of claim 15, wherein an outer surface of
the protective cover and an outer surface of the case are located
in the same plane.
Description
Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(a), this application claims the
benefit of earlier filing date and right of priority to Korean
Application No. 10-2009-0082504, filed on Sep. 2, 2009, the
contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in
their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a mobile terminal. Although the
present invention is suitable for a wide scope of applications, it
is particularly suitable for facilitating a user to carry and use a
terminal in a simple and easy way.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
A mobile terminal is a device which may be configured to perform
various functions. Examples of such functions include data and
voice communications, capturing images and video via a camera,
recording audio, playing music files and outputting music via a
speaker system, and displaying images and video on a display. Some
terminals include additional functionality which supports game
playing, while other terminals are also configured as multimedia
players. More recently, mobile terminals have been configured to
receive broadcast and multicast signals which permit viewing of
contents, such as videos and television programs.
Generally, terminals can be classified into mobile terminals and
stationary terminals according to a presence or non-presence of
mobility. And, the mobile terminals can be further classified into
handheld terminals and vehicle mount terminals according to
availability for hand-carry.
There are ongoing efforts to support and increase the functionality
of mobile terminals. Such efforts include software and hardware
improvements, as well as changes and improvements in the structural
components which form the mobile terminal.
Moreover, a mobile terminal is accepted as a personal thing for
representing user's individuality and the demand for various
terminal designs is ongoing to rise.
The recent technical development brings about digital convergence
for enabling various kinds of technologies or performances to merge
into one. And, the digital convergence enables a mobile terminal to
be equipped with a camera module capable of taking pictures.
The camera module normally has a lens for light transmission. And,
the lens of the camera module is externally exposed as it is.
Moreover, a case of the mobile terminal is provided with a plastic
or glass cover (hereinafter called a transparent cover) configured
to enable light to be incident on the lens of the camera module. In
this case, the plastic or glass cover is provided to oppose an
installed position of the camera module.
Thus, if a transparent cover for protecting a lens of a camera
module is attached not to the camera module but to a case of a
mobile terminal, a prescribed gap lies between the transparent
cover and the lens of the camera module. And, some particles can be
introduced into the camera module to cause damage to internal parts
of the camera module.
Before a camera module is installed at a mobile terminal, it is
transferred and installed as an individual part. This, in a camera
module manufacturing and installing process, damage may be caused
to a lens of the camera module directly exposed to an external
environment.
In order for a camera module to be installed to oppose a
transparent cover of a mobile terminal, a pad for dust and particle
prevention is inserted between the transparent cover and the camera
module. If such a separate part as a pad and the like is
additionally provided, a manufacturing process gets complicated and
a product cost is raised. Moreover, it becomes difficult to
accurately install a camera module due to accumulation of numerical
value tolerance and the like.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a mobile terminal
that substantially obviates one or more problems due to limitations
and disadvantages of the related art.
An object of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal,
by which a lens off a camera module can be protected using a
self-structure of the camera module.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a mobile
terminal, by which introduction of external particles can be
prevented in a manner of isolating an inner space of a camera
module from an outer space.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a mobile
terminal, by which a camera module and a case is directly assembled
together without attaching a separate configuration
therebetween.
Additional advantages, objects, and features of the invention will
be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part
will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon
examination of the following or may be learned from practice of the
invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention may
be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out
in the written description and claims hereof as well as the
appended drawings.
To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance
with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly
described herein, a mobile terminal according to the present
invention includes a case forming an exterior of a body, the case
provided with a penetrating hole, a module body provided within the
case, the module body having at least one lens provided to oppose
an incident hole open toward the penetrating hole, the module body
having an image sensor forming an optical image of a subject
delivered via the incident hole to convert the optical image to an
electric signal, and a protective cover assembled to one face of
the module body corresponding to the incident hole, the protective
cover formed of a transparent material through which light passes,
the protective cover exposed outside the case via the penetrating
hole of the case.
Preferably, an adhesive agent is coated between the protective
cover and the module body to isolate an inside of the module body
from an outside.
More preferably, the one face of the module body provided with the
incident hole is supported by an inner surface of the case.
In this case, a loading portion recessed along an edge of the
penetrating hole is provided to the case and the one face of the
module body is configured to adhere closely to the loading portion.
Moreover, the penetrating hole is configured to correspond to the
protective cover and an outer surface of the protective cover and
an outer surface of the case are located in a same plane. Besides,
a height of the protective cover projected from the one surface of
the module body is equal to a thickness of the case provided with
the loading portion.
In this case, an inner circumference of the case provided with the
penetrating hole is configured to adhere closely to an outer
circumference of the protective cover. Moreover, an outer diameter
of the protective cover is set greater than an inner diameter of
the penetrating hole and the protective cover is forcibly fitted
into the penetrating hole by shrink-fit. Besides, the protective
cover is formed of tempered glass formed by thermal treatment to
bear external shock or abrupt temperature change.
In this case, a ring-type sealing member is provided to an inner
circumference of the case provided with the penetrating hole to
enclose and support an outer circumference of the protective cover.
Moreover, the sealing member is formed of an elastically
transformable material to be compressibly attached to the outer
circumference of the protective cover.
In this case, a guide portion configured to incline toward an
assembled direction of the protective cover is provided to an inner
circumference of the case provided with the penetrating hole along
an edge of the penetrating hole. Moreover, a loading portion
recessed along the edge of the penetrating hole is provided to the
inner surface of the case to correspond to the module body and the
one face of the module body provided with the incident hole is
configured to adhere closely to the loading portion. Besides, the
guide portion is configured to incline along the edge of the
penetrating hole between the inner circumference of the case
provided with the penetrating hole and the loading portion.
In another aspect of the present invention, a mobile terminal
includes a case forming an exterior of a body, the case provided
with a penetrating hole and a camera module provided within the
case. And, the camera module includes at least one lens provided to
oppose the penetrating hole, an image sensor forming an optical
image of a subject delivered via the at least one lens to convert
the optical image to an electric signal, and a protective cover
inserted in the penetrating hole to protect the at least one
lens.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description
and the following detailed description of the present invention are
exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further
explanation of the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further
understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of
the invention and together with the description serve to explain
the principle of the invention. In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective diagram for a front configuration of a
mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 3 is a perspective diagram for a backside configuration of a
mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective diagram of a camera module
configuring an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a perspective diagram for a configuration of a module
body and a protective cover assembled together;
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional diagram of a module body configuring an
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional diagram for an assembled configuration
of a protective cover according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 8 is a diagram for a case and a camera module, which are
detached from each other, according to one embodiment of the
present invention;
FIG. 9 is a diagram for a case and a camera module, which are
assembled together, according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 10 is a diagram for a case and a camera module, which are
detached from each other, according to another embodiment of the
present invention;
FIG. 11 is a diagram for a case and a camera module, which are
assembled together, according to another embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 12 is a diagram for a case and a camera module, which are
detached from each other, according to a further embodiment of the
present invention; and
FIG. 13 is a diagram for a case and a camera module, which are
assembled together, according to a further embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In the following detailed description, reference is made to the
accompanying drawing figures which form a part hereof, and which
show by way of illustration specific embodiments of the invention.
It is to be understood by those of ordinary skill in this
technological field that other embodiments may be utilized, and
structural, electrical, as well as procedural changes may be made
without departing from the scope of the present invention. Wherever
possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the
drawings to refer to the same or similar parts.
As used herein, the suffixes `module`, `unit` and `part` are used
for elements in order to facilitate the disclosure only. Therefore,
significant meanings or roles are not given to the suffixes
themselves and it is understood that the `module`, `unit` and
`part` can be used together or interchangeably.
The present invention can be applicable to a various types of
terminals. Examples of such terminals include mobile as well as
stationary terminals, such as mobile phones, user equipment, smart
phones, DTV, computers, digital broadcast terminals, personal
digital assistants, portable multimedia players (PMP) and
navigators.
However, by way of non-limiting example only, further description
will be with regard to a mobile terminal 100, and it should be
noted that such teachings may apply equally to other types of
terminals.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal 100 in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows the
mobile terminal 100 having various components, but it is understood
that implementing all of the illustrated components is not a
requirement. Greater or fewer components may alternatively be
implemented.
FIG. 1 shows a wireless communication unit 110 configured with
several commonly implemented components. For example, the wireless
communication unit 110 typically includes one or more components
which permit wireless communication between the mobile terminal 100
and a wireless communication system or network within which the
mobile terminal is located. In case of non-mobile terminals, the
wireless communication unit 110 can be replaced with a wire
communication unit. The wireless communication unit 110 and wire
communication unit can be commonly referred to as a communication
unit.
A broadcast receiving module 111 receives a broadcast signal and/or
broadcast associated information from an external broadcast
managing entity via a broadcast channel. The broadcast channel may
include a satellite channel and a terrestrial channel. The
broadcast managing entity generally refers to a system which
transmits a broadcast signal and/or broadcast associated
information.
At least two broadcast receiving modules 111 can be provided to the
mobile terminal 100 in pursuit of simultaneous receptions of at
least two broadcast channels or broadcast channel switching
facilitation.
Examples of broadcast associated information include information
associated with a broadcast channel, a broadcast program, a
broadcast service provider, etc. For example, the broadcast
associated information may include an electronic program guide
(EPG) of digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) and an electronic
service guide (ESG) of digital video broadcast-handheld
(DVB-H).
The broadcast signal may be implemented, for example, as a TV
broadcast signal, a radio broadcast signal, and a data broadcast
signal. If desired, the broadcast signal may further include a
broadcast signal combined with a TV or radio broadcast signal.
The broadcast receiving module 111 may be configured to receive
broadcast signals transmitted from various types of broadcast
systems. By nonlimiting example, such broadcasting systems include
digital multimedia broadcasting-terrestrial (DMB-T), digital
multimedia broadcasting-satellite (DMB-S), digital video
broadcast-handheld (DVB-H), the data broadcasting system known as
media forward link only (MediaFLO.RTM.) and integrated services
digital broadcast-terrestrial (ISDB-T). Receiving multicast signals
is also possible. If desired, data received by the broadcast
receiving module 111 may be stored in a suitable device, such as a
memory 160.
A mobile communication module 112 communicates wireless signals
with one or more network entities such as a base station or Node-B.
Such signals may represent, for example, audio, video, multimedia,
control signaling, and data.
A wireless internet module 113 supports Internet access for the
mobile terminal 100. This module may be internally or externally
coupled to the mobile terminal 100. Suitable technologies for
wireless internet may include, but are not limited to, WLAN
(Wireless LAN) (Wi-Fi), Wibro (Wireless broadband), Wimax (World
Interoperability for Microwave Access), and HSDPA (High Speed
Downlink Packet Access). The wireless internet module can be
replaced with a wire internet module in non-mobile terminals. The
wireless internet module 113 and wire internet module may be
commonly referred to as an internet module.
A short-range communication module 114 facilitates relatively
short-range communications. Suitable technologies for short-range
communication my include, but are not limited to, radio frequency
identification (RFID), infrared data association (IrDA),
ultra-wideband (UWB), as well as the networking technologies
commonly referred to as Bluetooth and ZigBee.
A position-location module 115 identifies or otherwise obtains the
location of the mobile terminal 100. This module may be implemented
using, for example, global positioning system (GPS) components
which cooperate with associated satellites, network components, and
combinations thereof.
According to the current technology, the GPS module 115 is able to
precisely calculate current 3-dimensional position information
based on longitude, latitude and altitude by calculating distance
information and precise time information from at least three
satellites and then applying triangulation to the calculated
information. Currently, location and time informations are
calculated using three satellites, and errors of the calculated
location position and time informations are then amended using
another satellite. Besides, the GPS module 115 is able to calculate
speed information by continuously calculating a real-time current
location.
An audio/video (A/V) input unit 120 is configured to provide audio
or video signal input to the mobile terminal 100. As shown, the A/V
input unit 120 includes a camera 121 and a microphone 122. The
camera 121 receives and processes image frames of still pictures or
video.
A microphone 122 receives an external audio signal while the
portable device is in a particular mode, such as phone call mode,
recording mode or voice recognition mode. This audio signal is
processed and converted into digital data.
The portable device, and specifically the A/V input unit 120,
typically includes assorted noise removing algorithms to remove
noise generated in the course of receiving the external audio
signal. Data generated by the A/V input unit 120 may be stored in
the memory 160, utilized by the output unit 150, or transmitted via
one or more modules of communication unit 110. If desired, two or
more microphones and/or cameras may be used.
A user input unit 130 generates input data responsive to user
manipulation of an associated input device or devices. Examples of
such devices include a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad such as
static pressure/capacitance, a jog wheel and a jog switch. A
specific example is one in which the user input unit 130 is
configured as a touchpad in cooperation with a display, which will
be described in more detail below.
A sensing unit 140 provides status measurements of various aspects
of the mobile terminal 100. For example, the sensing unit may
detect an open/close status of the mobile terminal 100, relative
positioning of components such as a display and keypad of the
mobile terminal, a change of position of the mobile terminal or a
component of the mobile terminal, a presence or absence of user
contact with the mobile terminal, orientation or
acceleration/deceleration of the mobile terminal.
If the mobile terminal 100 is configured as a slide-type mobile
terminal, the sensing unit 140 may sense whether a sliding portion
of the mobile terminal is open or closed. Other examples include
the sensing unit 140 sensing the presence or absence of power
provided by the power supply 190, the presence or absence of a
coupling or other connection between the interface unit 170 and an
external device.
An interface unit 170 is often implemented to couple the mobile
terminal with external devices. Typical external devices include
wired/wireless headphones, external chargers, power supplies,
storage devices configured to store data such as audio, video, and
pictures, as well as earphones and microphones. The interface unit
170 may be configured using a wired/wireless data port, audio
input/output ports, video input/output port, a card socket for
coupling to a memory card, a subscriber identity module (SIM) card,
a user identity module (UIM) card, or removable user identity
module (RUIM) card).
When the mobile terminal 110 is connected to an external cradle,
the interface unit 170 becomes a passage for supplying the mobile
terminal 100 with a power from the cradle or a passage for
delivering various command signals inputted from the cradle by a
user to the mobile terminal 100. Each of the various command
signals inputted from the cradle or the power can operate as a
signal enabling the mobile terminal 100 to recognize that it is
correctly loaded in the cradle.
An output unit 150 generally includes various components that
support the output requirements of the mobile terminal 100. A
display 151 is typically implemented to visually display
information associated with the mobile terminal 100. For example,
if the mobile terminal 100 is operating in a phone call mode, the
display will generally provide a user interface or graphical user
interface that includes information associated with placing,
conducting, and terminating a phone call. As another example, if
the mobile terminal 100 is in a video call mode or a photographing
mode, the display 151 may additionally or alternatively display
images associated with these modes.
One particular implementation includes the display 151 configured
as a touch screen working in cooperation with an input device, such
as a touchpad. This configuration permits the display 151 to
function both as an output device and an input device.
The display 151 may be implemented using known display technologies
including a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film
transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD), an organic
light-emitting diode display (OLED), a flexible display and a
three-dimensional display.
Some of the above displays can be configured transparent so that an
external environment can be seen through the corresponding display.
Such a display can be called a transparent display. As a
representative example for the transparent display, there is a
transparent LCD display or the like.
The mobile terminal 100 may include one or more of displays 151. An
example of a two-display embodiment is one in which one display 151
is configured as an internal display viewable when the terminal is
in an opened position and a second display 151 configured as an
external display viewable in both the open and closed
positions.
The touchscreen can be configured to detect a touch input pressure
as well as a touch input position and size.
Meanwhile, a proximity sensor 141 can be provided within or around
the touchscreen. The proximity sensor detects an object approaching
a prescribed detecting surface or a presence or non-presence of an
object existing around itself using an electromagnetic power or
infrared rays without mechanical contact. Hence, the proximity
sensor is superior to a contact sensor in lifespan and
utilization.
Example for an operational principle of the proximity sensor is
explained as follows. First of all, if an object approaches a
sensor detecting surface while an oscillation circuit oscillates a
sine radio frequency, an oscillation amplitude of the oscillation
circuit attenuates or stops. This change is converted to an
electric signal to detect a presence or non-presence of the object.
So, even if any material except a metallic comes between the RF
oscillation proximity sensor and the object, a proximity switch is
able to detect the object to detect without interference with the
material.
In spite of not providing the proximity sensor, if the touchscreen
is electrostatic, it can be configured to detect the proximity of a
pointer through an electric field change attributed to the
proximity of the pointer.
So, in case that the pointer is placed in the vicinity of the
touchscreen without being actually contacted with the touchscreen,
it is able to detect a position of the pointer and a distance
between the pointer and the touchscreen. For clarity and
convenience of explanation, an action for enabling the pointer
approaching the touchscreen to be recognized as placed on the
touchscreen is named `proximity touch` and an action of enabling
the pointer to actually come into contact with the touchscreen is
named `contact touch`. And, a position, at which the proximity
touch is made to the touchscreen using the pointer, means a
position of the pointer vertically corresponding to the touchscreen
when the pointer makes the proximity touch.
If the proximity sensor is used, it is able to sense a proximity
touch and its pattern (e.g., proximity touch distance, proximity
touch direction, proximity touch speed, proximity touch position,
proximity touch moving state, etc.). And, it is also able to output
information corresponding to the sensed proximity touch action and
the proximity touch pattern to the touchscreen.
FIG. 1 further shows the output unit 150 having an audio output
module 152 which supports the audio output requirements of the
mobile terminal 100. The audio output module 152 is often
implemented using one or more speakers, buzzers, other audio
producing devices, and combinations thereof.
The audio output module 152 functions in various modes such as
call-receiving mode, call-placing mode, recording mode, voice
recognition mode and broadcast reception mode. During operation,
the audio output module 152 outputs audio relating to a particular
function or status, such as call received, message received, or
errors.
The output unit 150 is further shown having an alarm 153, which is
commonly used to signal or otherwise identify the occurrence of a
particular event associated with the mobile terminal 100. Typical
events include call received, message received and user input
received.
An example of a signal provided by the output unit 150 is tactile
sensations. For example, the alarm 153 may be configured to vibrate
responsive to the mobile terminal 100 receiving a call or message.
As another example, vibration is provided by the alarm 153
responsive to receiving user input at the mobile terminal 100,
thereby providing a tactile feedback mechanism. It is understood
that the various signals provided by the components of output unit
150 may be separately performed or performed using any combination
of such components.
A memory 160 is generally used to store various types of data to
support the processing, control, and storage requirements of the
mobile terminal 100. Examples of such data include program
instructions for applications operating on the mobile terminal 100,
contact data, phonebook data, messages, pictures, and video.
Moreover, data for various patterns of vibration and/or sound
outputted in case of a touch input to the touchscreen can be stored
in the memory 160.
As map information can be stored in the memory 160, user's
convenience can be further provided in a manner of providing the
map information to a user if necessary. Moreover, a recent use
history or a cumulative use frequency of each menu in the mobile
terminal can be stored in the memory 160.
The memory 160 shown in FIG. 1 may be implemented using any type or
combination of suitable volatile and non-volatile memory or storage
devices including random access memory (RAM), static random access
memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory
(EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM),
programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM),
magnetic memory, flash memory, magnetic or optical disk, card-type
memory, or other similar memory or data storage device.
A controller 180 typically controls the overall operations of the
mobile terminal 100. For example, the controller 180 performs the
control and processing associated with voice calls, data
communications, instant message communication, video calls, camera
operations and recording operations.
The controller 180 may include a multimedia module 181 that
provides multimedia playback. The multimedia module 181 may be
configured as part of the controller 180, or implemented as a
separate component.
Moreover, the controller 180 is able to perform a pattern
recognizing process for recognizing a writing input and a picture
drawing input carried out on the touchscreen as characters or
images, respectively.
A power supply 190 provides power required by the various
components for the mobile terminal 100. The power may be internal
power, external power, or combinations thereof.
Various embodiments described herein may be implemented in a
computer-readable medium using, for example, computer software,
hardware, or some combination thereof. For a hardware
implementation, the embodiments described herein may be implemented
within one or more application specific integrated circuits
(ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal
processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs),
field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers,
micro-controllers, microprocessors, other electronic units designed
to perform the functions described herein, or a selective
combination thereof. In some cases, such embodiments may also be
implemented by controller 180.
For a software implementation, the embodiments described herein may
be implemented with separate software modules, such as procedures
and functions, each of which perform one or more of the functions
and operations described herein. The software codes can be
implemented with a software application written in any suitable
programming language and may be stored in memory such as the memory
160, and executed by a controller or processor, such as the
controller 180.
The mobile terminal 100 may be implemented in a variety of
different configurations. Examples of such configurations include
folder-type, slide-type, bar-type, rotational-type, swing-type and
combinations thereof. For clarity, further disclosure will
primarily relate to a slide-type mobile terminal 100. However such
teachings apply equally to other types of mobile terminals.
FIG. 2 is a perspective diagram for a front configuration of a
mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
Referring to FIG. 2, a mobile terminal according to the present
invention includes a first body 100A and a second body 100B
configured slidable on the first body 100A along at least one
direction.
If the first body 100A is arranged in a manner of being superposed
on the second body 100B, it can be named a closed configuration. If
the first body 100A is configured to expose at least one portion of
the second body 100B, it can be named an open configuration.
In the closed configuration, the mobile terminal is mainly operable
in a standby mode. And, the standby mode can be released by user's
manipulation. In the open configuration, the mobile terminal is
mainly operable in a call mode or the like. According to user's
manipulation or expiration of prescribed time, a mode of the mobile
terminal can be switched to the standby mode.
A case (e.g., casing, housing, cover, etc.) forming an exterior of
the first body 100A includes a first front case 100A-1 and a first
rear case 100A-2. Various electric and electronic parts are loaded
in a space provided by the first front case 100A-1 and the first
rear case 100A-2. And, at least one or more middle cases can be
additionally provided between the first front case 100A-1 and the
first rear case 100A-2.
In this case, the cases can be formed by injection modeling of
synthetic resin. Alternatively, the cases can be formed of metal
material such as stainless steel (STS), titanium (Ti) and the
like.
A display module 151, a first audio output module 152-1, a first
camera module and a first manipulating unit 130-1 can be provided
to the first body 100A, and more particularly, to the first front
case 100A-1.
The display module 151 includes at least one of devices for
representing information visually. In this case, the display module
151 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light
emitting diode (OLED) display and/or the like.
A touchpad is superposed onto the display module 151 to configure a
layered structure. Therefore, the display module 151 can operate as
a touchscreen to enable information to be inputted by a touch made
by a user.
The first audio output module 152-1 can be implemented as a
receiver or a speaker.
The first camera module 121-1 can be implemented suitable for
photographing an image or moving picture of a ser and the like.
The first manipulating unit 130-1 receives an input of a command
for controlling an operation off the mobile terminal.
Like the first body 100A, a case forming an exterior of the second
body 100B includes a second front case 100B-1 and a second rear
case 100B-2.
A second manipulating unit 130-2 can be provided to the second body
100B, and more particularly, to a front face of the second front
case 100B-1.
And, a third manipulating unit 130-3, a microphone module 122 and
an interface unit 170 can be provided to at least one of the second
front case 100B-1 and the second rear case 100B-2.
The first to third manipulating units 130-1, 130-2 and 130-3 can be
generally called a manipulating portion 130. And, the manipulating
portion can adopt any tactile manner that enables a user to perform
manipulation with tactile feeling.
For instance, it is able to implement the manipulating portion with
a dome switch or a touchpad, which can receive a command or
information by user's push or touch manipulation. Alternatively,
the manipulating portion can be implemented by such a manipulating
system as a key rotating wheel, a jog, a joystick and the like.
In aspect of functionality, the first manipulating unit 130-1 is
provided to input such a command as start, end, scroll and the
like. And, the second manipulating unit 1302-2 is provided to input
numerals, characters, symbols and the like.
Moreover, the third manipulating unit 130-3 can work as a hot-key
for activating a special function within the mobile terminal.
The microphone module 122 can be implemented into a form suitable
for receiving an input of user's speech and other sounds.
The interface unit 170 becomes a passage for enabling the mobile
terminal of the present invention to perform data exchange with an
external device and the like. For instance, the interface unit 170
can include at least one of a connection terminal for connection to
an earphone by wire or wireless, a port for short range
communication (e.g., IrDA port, Bluetooth port, wireless LAN port,
etc.) and power supply terminals for supplying power to the mobile
terminal.
The interface unit 170 can include a card socket for accommodating
such an external card as a SIM (subscriber identity module), a UIM
(user identity module), a memory card for information storage and
the like.
The power supply unit 190 for supplying power to the mobile
terminal is provided to the second rear case 100B-2.
In this case, the power supply unit 190 can be detachably provided
as a rechargeable battery to the second rear case 100B-2.
FIG. 3 is a perspective diagram for a backside configuration of a
mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
Referring to FIG. 3, a second camera module 121-2 can be
additionally provided to a backside of the second rear case 100B-2
of the second body 100B. The second camera module 121-2 has a
photographing direction substantially opposite to that of the first
camera module 121-1 shown in FIG. 1 and can have pixels different
from those of the first camera module 121-1 shown in FIG. 1.
For instance, the first camera module 121-1 has low pixels enough
for taking a picture of user's face and then transmitting the taken
picture to a correspondent party in the course of a video call or
the like. On the contrary, the second camera module 121-2 takes a
picture of a subject but does not transmit the taken picture in
general. Therefore, the second camera module 121-1 preferably has
high pixels.
In the vicinity of the second camera module 121-2, a flash 121-3
and a mirror 121-4 can be additionally arranged. In case of taking
a picture of a subject using the second camera module 121-2, the
flash 121-3 shines light toward the subject. In case that a user
attempts to take a picture of herself/himself using the second
camera module 121-2 (i.e., self-photographing), the mirror 121-4
enables user's face to be reflected thereon.
A second audio output module 152-2 can be additionally provided to
the second rear case 100B-2.
The second audio output module 152-2 can implement a stereo
function together with the first audio output module 152-1 shown in
FIG. 2 and is usable for a call in speakerphone mode.
A broadcast signal receiving antenna 111-1 can be provided to one
side of the second rear case 100B-2 as well as an antenna for
communication and the like. In this case, the broadcast signal
receiving antenna 111-1 can be provided retractable from the second
body 100B.
One portion of a slide module 100C configured to enable the first
and second bodies 100A and 100B to be slidably assembled together
can be provided to the first rear case 100A-2 of the first body
100A.
The other portion of the slide module 100C is provided to the
second front case 100B-1 of the second body 100B, thereby avoiding
being externally exposed as shown in the present drawing.
In the above description so far, the second camera module 121-2 and
the like are provided to the second body 100B, by which the present
invention is non-limited.
For instance, at least one of the components 111-1, 121-2, 121-3,
121-4 and 152-2 provided to the second rear case 100B-2 like the
second camera module 121-2 can be provided to the fist body 100A,
and more particularly, to the first rear case 100A-2. If so, it is
advantageous in that the component(s) provided to the first rear
case 100A-2 in the closed configuration can be protected by the
second body 100B. Moreover, even if the second camera module 121-2
is not separately provided, the first camera module 121-1 is
configured rotatable so as to cover a photographing direction of
the second camera module 121-2.
In the following description, explained is a case that a protective
cover for protecting a lens of a camera module and the like is
provided to the camera module and is then installed at a mobile
terminal.
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective diagram of a camera module
configuring an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a
perspective diagram for a configuration of a module body and a
protective cover assembled together.
Referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, a camera module 121 stores an image
frame of a still or moving picture obtained by an image sensor in
photographing mode in a digital storage medium.
For instance, the camera module 121 detects an image using an
electronic sensor without a film and then stores the image
information in a digital image file format such as JPEG, TIFF, raw
format, GIF and the like or a digital video file format such as
MPEG, DV, MJPEG and the like.
The camera module 121 can be provided to the first body 100A or the
second body 100B. In the following description, the first front
case 100A-1, the first rear case 100A-2, the second front case
100B-1, the second rear case 100B-2 and the like are generally
called a case 100AB.
The case 100AB forms an exterior of the bodies 100A and 100B. And,
a penetrating hole 290 is formed top-to-bottom in the case 100AB to
form an opening [cf. FIG. 8]. Structures of the case 100AB and the
penetrating hole 290 will be described later.
And, the camera module 121 includes a module body 210 configured to
form an optical image and convert it to an electric signal and a
protective cover 280 formed of a light-transmitting material to
isolate an inner space of the module body 210 from an external
environment.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional diagram of a module body configuring an
embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a
cross-sectional diagram for an assembled configuration of a
protective cover according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
Referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, a module body 210 is provided
within a case 100AB.
The module body 210 includes at least one lens 232 provided toward
a penetrating hole 290 to oppose an open incident hole 236 or an
opening 222 and an image sensor 264 configured to form an optical
image of a subject delivered via the incident hole 236 or the
opening 222 and convert the formed image to an electric signal.
In particular, the module body 210 includes a lens unit 230
receiving an optical image of a subject, a lens driving unit 240
moving the lens unit 230, a holder configured to hold the lens
driving unit 240, and a sensor unit 260 forming an optical image
and converting it to an electric signal.
An exterior and frame of the module body 210 is formed by a housing
220. The housing 220 can be formed in a hexahedral shape to have a
predetermined volume. According to a design condition, the housing
220 can have a shape of a column, a polygonal pillar, a polyhedron
or the like. The opening 222 is provided to one side of the housing
220 to enable light to enter the housing 220.
The lens unit 230 is provided within the housing 220 to receive an
optical image of a subject. The lens unit 230 forms an optical
image by condensing or diverging light. And, the lens unit 230 can
include a combination of convex and concave lenses.
Moreover, the lens unit 230 can include at least one lens 232 and a
barrel 234 having the at least one lens 232 loaded in its inner
body space.
The incident hole 236 is provided to an outer circumference of a
topside of the barrel 234 to enable light to pass therethrough.
Alternatively, according to a design condition, the incident hole
can be provided to a center of a topside of a cap (not shown in the
drawings) provided to the outer circumference of the tip of the
barrel 234. And, a screw part 238 can be provided to an outer
circumference of the barrel 234 to be supported by the lens driving
unit 242.
The lens driving unit 240 shifts the barrel 234 having the lens
unit 230 loaded therein to an optical axis and then adjusts the
focus on a subject. Meanwhile, a screw part 242 is provided to an
inner surface of the lens driving unit 240 to be screwed with the
former screw part 238 provided to the outer circumference of the
barrel 234.
An inner space provided with the holder 250. The sensor unit 260
converts a subject related light incident via the lens 232 to image
data of electric signal and then transfers the image data to a
display module 151 and the like.
The sensor unit 260 can include an infrared cut-off filter 262, an
image sensor 264 and a circuit board 268.
The infrared cut-off filter 262 filters the subject related light
having passed through the lens 232. Unlike human eyes, the image
sensor 264 (i.e., an image pickup device) enables detection of near
infrared ray wavelength and infrared region wavelength. In case of
image pickup, the color tone has a tendency toward red. Therefore,
the infrared cut-off filter 262 is provided to cut off the
corresponding wavelength regions.
The infrared cut-off filter 262 is provided between the lens unit
230 and the image sensor 264. If the image sensor 264 is supported
with infrared cut-off functionality, it is able to omit the
infrared cut-off filter 262.
The image sensor 264 forms an optical image of a subject, which is
delivered via the lens unit 230, and then converts the optical
image to an electric signal.
The image sensor 264 includes a pixel area (not shown in the
drawings) constructed with a multitude of pixels and a multitude of
electrodes (not shown in the drawings) as input/output terminals of
the pixel area. In this case, a multitude of the electrodes are
electrically connected to electrodes of the circuit board 268 using
a wire bonding equipment, respectively.
The image sensor 264 indicates an imaging device component that
generates an image from a mobile phone camera, a digital still
camera (DSC) or the like. According to a fabricating processes and
applications, the image sensors can be classified into CCD (charge
coupled device) image sensor, a CMOS (complementary metal oxide
semiconductor) image sensor and the like.
The circuit board 268 is generally called a printed circuit board.
The circuit board 268 is constructed with a prescribed electrical
pattern and a plurality of electrodes. And, such parts as
resistors, diodes and the like are loaded on the circuit board 268.
Moreover, the circuit board 268 is electrically connected to the
image sensor 264 to play a role in digitally processing a video
signal outputted from the image sensor 264.
The circuit board 268 includes a hard substrate of which material
is hard. Alternatively, the circuit board 268 can include a
flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) that is thin and flexible in
a manner of attaching a copper film onto an insulating film.
Meanwhile, the image data converted by the image sensor 264 is
transferred to the display module 151 via the circuit board
268.
Yet, in the above-configured module body 10, since the lens unit
230 is externally exposed via the opening 222, it may happen that
external particles may be introduced into the module body 210.
Therefore, a protective cover 280 for protecting the lens unit 230
and the like is provided to the module body 210. The protective
cover 280 is attached to one face of the module body 210 opposing
the incident hole 236 or the opening 222. The protective cover 280
is formed of a transparent material capable of transmitting light
therethrough. And, the protective cover 280 is exposed outside the
case 100AB via the penetrating hole 290.
An adhesive agent (g) is coated between the protective cover 280
and the module body 210 so that an inner space of the module body
210 can be isolated from outside. In particular, the adhesive agent
(g) is coated on edges of the protective cover 280 so as to avoid
generating a gap between the protective cover 280 and the module
body 210. Namely, the module body 210 and the protective cover 280
are formed in one body to construct the camera module 121.
FIG. 8 is a diagram for a case and a camera module, which are
detached from each other, according to one embodiment of the
present invention, and FIG. 9 is a diagram for a case and a camera
module, which are assembled together, according to one embodiment
of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, as mentioned in the foregoing
description, a penetrating hole 290 s formed in a case 100AB. And,
a protective cover 280 off a camera module 121 is located at the
penetrating hole 290. And, one face of a module body 210 including
an incident hole 236 and an opening 222 is supported by an inner
surface of the case 100AB.
A loading portion 292 is provided to the case 100AB. In this case,
the loading portion 292 is recessed along the edge of the
penetrating hole 290. One face of the module body 210 is configured
to closely adhere to the loading portion 292. In particular, the
loading portion 292 recessed along the edge of the penetrating hole
290 is provided to the inner surface of the case 100AB to
correspond to the module body 210. And, one face of the module body
210 having the incident hole 236 formed therein closely adheres to
the loading portion 292. The loading portion 292 is configured to
correspond to the module body 210. When the camera module 121 is
installed at the case 100AB, the loading portion 292 plays a role
in guiding an installation position of the camera module 121 and
also preventing fluctuation of the camera module 121 by stably
supporting the fixed camera module 121.
The penetrating hole 290 is configured to correspond to the
protective cover 280. And, an outer surface of the protective cover
280 and an outer surface of the case 100AB are located in the same
plane. For this, a height of the protective cover 280 projected
from one face of the module body 210 is preferably set equal to a
thickness of the case 100AB provided with the loading portion
292.
Preferably, an inner circumference of the case 100AB provided with
the penetrating hole 290 and an outer circumference of the
protective cover 280 are configured to closely adhere to each
other. For this, an outer diameter of the protective cover 280 is
configured greater than an inner diameter of the penetrating hole
290. And, the protective cover 280 is fitted into the penetrating
hole 290 by shrink-fit. Moreover, the protective cover 280 can be
formed of tempered glass strong against external shock or abrupt
temperature change in a manner of thermally treating glass.
Thus, in case that the protective cover 280 is loaded not in the
case but in the module body 210 to configure the camera module 121,
the protective cover 280 can protect the lens unit 230 provided to
the module body 210 before the camera module 121 is loaded in the
case 100AB.
Light can pass through the protective cover 280 configured to
isolate the inside of the camera module from the outside, whereby
external particles can be prevented from being introduced into the
camera module 121.
The camera module 121 is guided to the installation position by the
loading portion 292 without separate configuration provided between
the case 100AB and the camera module 121. And, the protective cover
280 of the camera module 121 is externally exposed in direct
without a separate cover provided to the case 100AB. Therefore,
accumulation of numerical value tolerance is barely generated by
the component assembly. And, an assembly process is simplified.
The protective cover 280 of the camera module 121 is directly
exposed to a surface of the case 100AB. And, the module body 210 is
supported by an inner surface of the case 100AB. Therefore, a
separate pad for dust prevention is not necessary.
In particular, in case that the protective cover 280 for protecting
the lens 232 of the module body 210 is provided to the case 100AB,
a dust prevention pad or the like is provided between the
protective cover 280 and the module body 210 or a structure for
fixing an installation position of the module body 210 should be
added.
Yet, in case that the protective cover 280 directly attached to the
module body 210 is exposed outside the case 100AB, it is able to
prevent external particles from being introduced into the module
body 210. Therefore, the dust prevention pad is unnecessary. As the
protective cover 280 is inserted in the penetrating hole 290 of the
case 100AB, an installation position of the camera module 121 is
guided and the module body 210 is directly supported by the loading
portion 292 of the case 100AB. Therefore, a separate fixing
structure is unnecessary.
If the protective cover 280 is directly attached to the module body
210, it is unnecessary to add the dust prevention pad and the
camera module fixing structure. Therefore, it is advantageous in
maximizing space utilization of the camera module 121 and reducing
a thickness of the mobile terminal relatively.
A mobile terminal according to another embodiment of the present
invention is explained in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings as follows.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, a
structure of a case and an assembled state of a camera module are
different from those of the former embodiment of the present
invention only. And, the same parts shown in FIGS. 1 to 9 will not
be explained in the following description for clarity.
FIG. 10 is a diagram for a case and a camera module, which are
detached from each other, according to another embodiment of the
present invention, and FIG. 11 is a diagram for a case and a camera
module, which are assembled together, according to another
embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, a penetrating hole 390, via which
a protective cover 280 of a camera module 121 is exposed, is
provided to a case 100AB to correspond to the protective cover 280.
And, a loading portion 392 is provided to the case 100AB in a
manner of being recessed along an edge of the penetrating hole
390.
A ring type sealing member 394, which is configured to enclose an
outer circumference of the protective cover 280 to support, is
provided to an inner circumference of the case 100AB provided with
the penetrating hole 390. In this case, the sealing member 394 is
formed of a elastically-transformable material and can be provided
to be forcibly attached to the outer circumference of the
protective cover 280. The sealing member 394 plays a role in
removing a gap between the penetrating hole 390 and the protective
cover 280 due to numerical value tolerance and the like.
According to a design condition, the sealing member 394 is formed
of such material as plastics, rubber and the like and can be
provided to the inner circumference of the case 100AB having the
penetrating hole 390. Alternatively, while the protective cover 280
is located in the penetrating hole 390, the sealing member 394 can
be formed in a manner of filling the penetrating hole 390 with
silicon or the like.
Thus, if the sealing member 394 is provided between the case 100AB
and the protective cover 280, it is able to prevent external
particles from being introduced between the case 100AB and the
protective cover 280.
For this, an outer diameter of the protective cover 280 is
configured greater than an inner diameter of the penetrating hole
390. And, the protective cover 280 is fitted into the penetrating
hole 390 by shrink-fit. Moreover, the protective cover 280 can be
formed of tempered glass that is strong against external shock or
abrupt temperature change in a manner of thermally treating
glass.
A mobile terminal according to a further embodiment of the present
invention is explained in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings as follows.
According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a
structure of a case and an assembled state of a camera module are
different from those of the former embodiment of the present
invention only. And, the same parts shown in FIGS. 1 to 9 will not
be explained in the following description for clarity.
FIG. 12 is a diagram for a case and a camera module, which are
detached from each other, according to a further embodiment of the
present invention, and FIG. 13 is a diagram for a case and a camera
module, which are assembled together, according to a further
embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, a penetrating hole 490, via which
a protective cover 280 of a camera module 121 is exposed, is
provided to a case 100AB to correspond to the protective cover 280.
And, a loading portion 492 is provided to an inner surface of the
case 100AB in a manner of being recessed along an edge of the
penetrating hole 490 to correspond to a module body 210. And, one
face of the module body 210 is supported in a manner of adhering
closely to the loading portion 492.
A guide portion 494 is provided to an inner circumference of the
case 100AB having the penetrating hole 490 along an edge of the
penetrating hole 490 in a manner of inclining toward an assembled
direction of the protective cover 280. The guide portion 494 is
formed to incline along the edge of the penetrating hole 490
between the inner circumference of the case 100AB having the
penetrating hole 490 and the loading portion 492.
The guide portion 494 plays a role in guiding a moving path of the
protective cover 280 while the protective cover 280 is being fitted
into the penetrating hole 490 of the case 100AB. In particular,
when the protective cover 280 approaches the case 100AB on
deviating aside from the penetrating hole 490, the guide portion
494 guides a fitting direction of the protective cover 280 to
correct an installation position of the camera module 121 at the
case 100AB.
Meanwhile, at least one of the loading portion 292, the sealing
member 394, the guide portion 494 and the like can be included in
the configurations applied to the case 100AB according to design
conditions. Alternatively, the whole of the loading portion 292,
the sealing member 394, the guide portion 494 and the like can be
simultaneously included in the configurations applied to the case
100AB.
Accordingly, the present invention provides the following effects
and/or advantages.
First of all, according to the present invention, since a camera
module is configured in a manner that a protective cover is
provided not to a case but to a module body, it is advantageous in
protecting a lens unit provided to the module body before
installing the camera module at the case.
Secondly, according to the present invention, while light passes
through a protective cover, a protective cover physically isolates
an inside of a camera module from an outside to prevent external
particles from being introduced into the camera module. Therefore,
it is advantageous in enhancing durability of the camera
module.
Thirdly, according to the present invention, a loading portion is
provided to a case to guide an installation position of a camera
module. A separate cover is not added to the case. And, a
protective cover of a camera module is directly exposed to outside.
Therefore, accumulation of numerical value tolerance is barely
generated and an assembly process is simplified.
Finally, according to the present invention, a protective cover of
a camera module is directly exposed to a surface of a case and a
module body is supported by an inner surface of the case.
Therefore, a separate pad for preventing dust and particles, a
camera module fixing structure and the like are unnecessary. As the
separate pad, the camera module fixing structure and the like are
unnecessary, the present invention optimizes a space of
installation of the camera module, thereby relatively reducing a
thickness of a mobile terminal.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made in the present invention
without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. Thus,
it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications
and variations of this invention provided they come within the
scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *